Douglas County (WQOW) – Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec is calling Jayme Closs a hero, while taking the time to thank key players in her rescue.

The sheriff posted a lengthy letter on Facebook Monday saying in part, “There is one true hero in this whole ordeal, and that is Jayme. Her resolve and courage is amazing.”

He also thanked Jeanne Nutter who was walking her dog and helped bring Jayme to safety, the Douglas County dispatcher and his sheriff deputies.

Below is the full letter from Sheriff Dalbec

“Now that a few days have passed and things have settled down, I felt the need to comment publicly.

There is one true hero in this whole ordeal, and that is Jayme. Her resolve and courage is amazing.

Throughout this past weekend I was approached by numerous people thanking and congratulating myself and the Sheriff’s Office. As I explained to them, and I had stated to Barron County Sheriff Fitzgerald on Friday, the DGSO played a very small role in this very large investigation. Albeit, an important role.

I would like to recognize and thank Jeanne Nutter for your quickness in recognizing Jayme and immediately getting her to safety. Kristen and Peter Kasinskas for opening your home to provide shelter and security and calling 911.

Douglas County 911 Dispatcher Amy Pullen who received the 911 call, dispatched units, remained on the line with the caller, gathered important information to relay to responding deputies, and did a phenomenal job keeping the caller and herself calm while awaiting the deputies arrival on-scene.

Lastly, Sgt. Matt DeRosia, who, after Jayme was securely placed in DGSO’s custody, began actively patrolling the immediate area with only a very vague description of the suspect vehicle, came across a similarly colored vehicle being driven by a male and initiated a traffic stop based on the fact the vehicle had a burnt out taillight. He subsequently ID’d the driver of the vehicle as the suspect and placed him into custody without incident, with assistance from Sgt. Jake Engelman.

As you can see from this, bits and pieces of things performed by several people all fell into place to create an important part of a much larger case.

Again, the most important part of this whole case was, and is, Jayme. Her determination to survive and escape, ultimately saving herself, is paramount.

Thank you to everyone for your concern and understanding these past few days.”